Middletown City Schools Take Proactive Approach to Security

By eSchool News

March 4th, 2007

VERNON HILLS, Ill., and CHELMSFORD, Mass.–March 5, 2007–CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation [NASDAQ: CDWC] and leading source of Information Technology (IT) solutions to governments and educators, and Axis Communications, the global leader in the network video market, announced today that the companies have installed network cameras at the Middletown City Schools in Orange County, N.Y. Approximately 265 Axis network cameras were installed as a campus security threat deterrent across the entire district, including seven educational buildings and two administrative buildings.

All of the network cameras are installed in public areas such as hallways, cafeterias and parking lots in order to proactively prevent incidents on campus. Axis network cameras were selected because they are easy to install and maintain, and because they connect directly to the district´s existing computer network. The Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality also saved on installation costs, as it enables the cameras to be powered through a network cable instead of a standard AC outlet. CDW-G provided Middletown with the Axis network cameras, and Mirasys provided the video management software.

"The Axis network cameras made sense because they enabled us to utilize existing networking gear, such as the switches we had previously installed for our voice over IP system," said Mike Tuttle, chief technology officer for Middletown City Schools. "CDW-G and Axis provided us with the best functionality that met our needs and budget."

"Today, school districts are taking a more proactive approach to safety and security," said Bob Kirby, CDW-G director, K-12. "They want flexible solutions that will grow with the demands of the district and help them plan for future needs. Additionally, they want a solution that will prevent incidents, not just record them, and cameras can do that. By working closely with the community and law enforcement, districts spread the word that the cameras are on campus, putting would-be offenders on notice to think twice before acting out."

Middletown currently archives video for 30 days, unless it pertains to an incident and needs to be stored longer. The district also plans to tie the system in with local police and first responders so emergency personnel can view conditions inside the school before arriving at an incident site. Funding for the system was provided through a grant from New York State assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.

"The Middletown installation is one example of how IP-surveillance is gaining momentum in the education sector," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications. "In comparison to analog systems, network camera systems are less expensive to install and maintain. They also provide greater functionality and flexibility, such as the option to share video with local law enforcement and first responders."

School security and safety is a rapidly growing area for the video surveillance industry. According to the National Center for Education Statistics´ report, "Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2005," the number of students ages 12 to 18 attending schools that used one or more security cameras grew from 38.5 percent in 2001 to 47.9 percent in 2003. Many school districts, such as Middletown, opt for IP-surveillance systems rather than analog because they already have the computer networks and bandwidth in place to support such systems.

About Axis

Axis is an IT company offering network video solutions for professional installations. The company is the global market leader in network video, driving the ongoing shift from analog to digital video surveillance. Axis products and solutions focus on security surveillance and remote monitoring, and are based on innovative, open technology platforms.

Axis is a Sweden-based company, operating worldwide with offices in 18 countries and cooperating with partners in more than 70 countries. Founded in 1984, Axis is listed on the Nordic List, Mid Cap and Information Technology exchanges. For more information about Axis, please visit our website at www.axis.com.

About CDW-G

A wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation (NASDAQ: CDWC), a FORTUNE 500 company, CDW Government (CDW-G) is a trusted technology advisor to federal, state and local government agencies, as well as to educational institutions at all levels. CDW-G offers best-in-class technology products and services from top-name brands such as Acer, Adobe, Cisco, Fujitsu, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Panasonic, Quantum, Samsung, Sony, Symantec and View Sonic.

For more information about CDW-G product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.800.863.4239, or visit the CDW-G Web site at CDWG.com.